Listed wall alterations at Land At Deer Park, Ellon

“Listed building consent is sought for alterations to a wall at land at Deer Park, Ellon. The wall is located on the southern boundary of Deer Park and runs parallel with Castle Road (A920)”

“The area of wall that relates to this application, is a 3 metres high natural stonewall, located approximately 25 metres to the east of the private access to Ellon Castle and Deer Park Cottage. The proposal is to create a 4 metre wide gap within the existing stonewall. This is to give access to a new cycle path/share foot way connecting into the existing footpaths to the east.”

“The application relates to a category ‘B’ listed wall within Deer Park. The site is within the defined settlement of Ellon and sits to the east of the town centre. Deer Park is a large park laid to grass with access currently taken to the south and to the west. The park has direct access into Ellon Castle and its gardens, which are category ‘A’ and ‘B’ listed.”

“APP/2024/1771 Alterations to Wall. This application was withdrawn by the applicant to consider repositioning of path and wall opening.”

“ENQ/2024/0116 Permitted development enquiry for the formation of pedestrian and cycle path. The proposal is Permitted Development under Class 33 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992.”

“The proposal is to remove a 4 metre wide portion of the category ‘B’ listed stonewall on the southern boundary of Deer Park. The shared pathway will be 3 metres wide with a 0.5 metres buffer strip either side. The proposal also includes pillars either side of the opening using reclaimed stone and pointed with lime mortar. These pillars align with similar openings within Deer Park.”

“Aberdeenshire Council’s Built Heritage officer has assessed the proposed works and the justification provided by the applicant. The officer confirms that the submitted justification quantifies the need for the proposed size of the opening formed and is satisfied that the proposed works meets minimum standards to avoid unnecessary loss of the original fabric.”

“Environment and Infrastructure Services (Environment – Built Heritage) initially requested further information to substantiate that the size of the proposed opening meets the minimum statutory requirements. The proposed new openings in the historic boundary wall could be justified as it would benefit the wider community in providing a safer means of access to the town centre.”

“The applicant provided further information which quantified the need for the suggested size of opening to be formed in the boundary wall. The Built Heritage officer is satisfied that the applicant is restricting the level of demolition work to avoid the unnecessary loss of the original fabric.”

“A total of 4 valid representations (1 support and 3 objection) have been received as defined in the Scheme of Governance. All issues raised have been considered. The letters raise the following material issues:”

“Concerns regarding Historic Environment Scotland notification of this development; • There are already openings in the wall for pedestrians, there is no need for additional openings in the historic structure; • Road, cyclist and pedestrian safety concerns; • Object to the route of the proposed path.”

“The Senior Planner introduced the application which was recommended for approval.”

“During discission, the Councillors asked how many trees would need to be removed; sought clarification that the current entrances would remain; queried the size of the proposed entrance; and noted that the location had been selected as part of an identified need for safety reasons to bring pedestrians away from the road, and also to allow their safe exit during larger events.”

“After considering all the information provided, the Committee agreed to Grant Listed Building Consent subject to the following conditions: -”

“No works in connection with the development hereby approved shall commence unless a detailed analysis of the existing lime mortar used on the existing wall, including any lime treatment for dressed stone margins, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the planning authority.”